Anna's Heart (Wilderness Brides Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

better.”
    Anna stiffened. She didn’t need a doctor. There was nothing wrong with her that medicine would cure. “A woman doctor?”
    Cora smiled. “I believe so. She sure has Caroline’s attention. You know how fascinated she’s been with learning how to treat wounds, ever since Trevor saved Nathaniel’s life. Aimee’s the one who taught him.”
    A quiet shudder passed through Anna. Nathaniel had nearly died from a gunshot wound on their way to the valley last summer. Neither she nor Cora had known what to do for him. If his brothers hadn’t come along, he would have bled to death. Trevor had sewn him up, and Caroline had been fascinated ever since, talking about wishing she had some books on medicine she could read. Trevor had taught her some of the things he knew about plants that had medicinal properties, as well as how to treat wounds from burns or simple cuts.
    “I don’t need a doctor, Cora.” Anna raised her eyes to her friend. She had to tell her about what had been on her mind more frequently over the last few weeks, ever since the weather had warmed. It was time she left the valley. “I just needed some time alone to think about things.”
    Cora studied her. A knowing look passed through her eyes. They’d been friends since they were little girls, and they knew each other well. Cora was aware that she hadn’t wanted to stay in the valley, and wanted to continue on to Oregon. The subject hadn’t come up all winter, but this might be a good time to finally bring it up.
    Her encounter with Ethan Wilder earlier had left her more shaken up than she cared to think about. He was yet one more reason to leave. She’d made the best of the months she’d been here, even hoping to learn to like it here. Going to Oregon on her own was a daunting thought, but it had to be done.
    She had to stand on her own and find that special place in the world where she’d truly feel at home. Cora had found that place in this valley, with a man by her side who loved her. Perhaps someday she might be ready to think about that again, too – a home, a good husband, and a family of her own. It wasn’t going to happen here in Harley’s Hole, though.
    “What’s going through your mind?” Cora asked, almost hesitantly. “What happened that you left the other cabin earlier? Patrick was surprised that you had gone. He said you’d asked him to bring fresh water.”
    Anna sat straighter. She inhaled a deep breath. She opened her mouth to speak when the door squeaked again. Caroline entered, followed by Josie. The youngest of the Hudson girls was dressed like the Wilder men, including a large hunting knife that hung from her hip. It had been a Christmas gift from Harley.
    She wore her blonde hair in one long braid down her back, looking so much different than the timid young girl she’d been a year ago. Josie had definitely adjusted to living in the wilderness, even if she still didn’t talk to most of the men.
    “There you are,” Caroline said with a bright smile on her face. “Supper is almost ready, and the men are getting restless. You know how they get when they aren’t fed.” Her eyes darted from her sister to Anna. “Mrs. Osborne is trying to hold them off until we return. Travis is complaining the loudest, but not even he wants to be in her bad graces, especially with her husband standing nearby with his rifle.” She giggled.
    Josie let out an audible huff at the mention of Travis’ name. She mumbled something unappealing under her breath.
    Caroline took a step closer, her eyes wide with excitement. “Ethan isn’t as sullen as usual.” She glanced over her shoulder, then leaned forward as if she were sharing a deep secret. “Trevor told me Ethan went to the creek to bathe and put on clean clothes and everything. Apparently the Osbornes are highly respected around here.”
    Anna coughed. Her hand went to cover her mouth. When she darted a hasty look at Caroline, heat crept into her face. No doubt Ethan’s